Nair is an experienced hand in the IPL, and has scored 1496 runs in 76 IPL games over the years, turning out for Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals), Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals and RCB. Nair and Rahul have been longtime colleagues in the Karnataka side in India's domestic circuit.

"Absolutely gutted," Rahul wrote in an Instagram post on Friday morning as he announced that he would be out of action for the coming few months.

"My focus will be on my rehabilitation and recovery in the coming weeks," Rahul's post said. "It's a tough call to make, but I know it's the right one to ensure a full recovery."

Rahul tore a tendon in his right thigh while chasing a ball in the second over of their match against RCB. He had to be helped off the field at that point, and did not return until a chase of 127 got tense. He walked out to bat at No. 11 in the hope of winning the game. But he was unable to run between the wickets, which resulted in the No. 9 Amit Mishra facing the last over. LSG eventually lost by 18 runs.

"As the team captain, it pains me deeply not to be able to be there during this crucial period," Rahul wrote. "But, I'm confident that the boys will rise to the occasion and give their best performance as always."

"The last few days have been really hard, but I'm determined to come out on top," his post said. "Injuries are never easy, but I'll give it my all as always. Thank you for all the support and good wishes."